Ok, I just got my 355ci block and i just put the order out for a set of flat top cast hypereutectic aluminum pistons/ rings/ 168 tooth flexplate/ crank (cast iron)(this combo is rated up to 500HP). My goal is 400RWHP through a TH350 auto. I'm planning on running 64cc combustion chambers with 200cc intake runners on the heads with a hydraulic roller cam setup. Also, I think a 230-240 (duration at .050in.) would be good. I'm going to run at least a 750cfm Q-Jet into a dual plane intake manifold. I'm going to try to run shorty headers, y-pipe, to 1 in-2 out on the exhaust (which will probably be 3.5" headers back, and 3" on the outlet). I did a rough calculation for the compression ratio and it looks like this set up would yield 9.88:1. First, I'd like to ask if the top end is suitable for achieving my goal (400RWHP). Second, any recommendations as to what oil I should use (it will primerily be a street car). Last, I know 93 octane can be compressed up to 10.2:1 safely (for the engine's sake). Should I run 93, or 92 when i get this all set up? The top end is my biggest concern and my biggest enigma. I've been looking through my books and all over the web and I didn't realize that there is really no way to calculate how an engine will perform (before it's dynoed). If anyone has some tips for me, that would be great. I'm sure you all know how important it is to have your car run as you expect it would. This is my first engine build and i'm trying to understand and learn as much as I can.

Thanks,
Steve

 

200cc runner 64cc chamber heads, 240 @ .050" duration, and dual plane intake are too vague to have any clue whether they will work together to produce the desired results.

Iron vs. aluminum makes a big difference whether 9.8:1 and 93 octane will work and/or be happy with each other.

Basically, need more specifics. I'm not sure I can say I've ever heard of a 5.7l spreadbore engine that made 400 RWHP, though. Especially a street car.

The only type of oil to consider, IMO, is a PAO-based synthetic.

 

Yeah, I think you're right, 400rwhp is really ambitious of me. i think just a 400hp engine is more realistic. As for specifics, i'm not too sure on those myself. I am considering an edelbrock RPM intake (medium rise), Dart Aluminum heads. The cam is my biggest problem. Does the brand of cam make a big difference? Because i've been going between edelbrock and COMP. Though, I don't think i saw an edelbrock cam with those specs. I hope that helps, thanks for your reply.



~Steve

 

The Performer RPM is a good intake.

Dart heads are pretty good stuff.

Comp is the only of those two to consider. Edelbrock just takes off-the-shelf grinds and calls them theirs.